The Removal of Phosphate from Aqueous Solutions by Sepiolite/ZrO2 Composites: Adsorption Behavior and Mechanism

The sepiolite/ZrO2 composites were prepared by sepiolite (Sep) modification with zirconium propoxide in toluene at room temperature for 24 h (Sep–ZrI) or 95 °C 4 (sample Sep–ZrII). efficiency of the obtained removal phosphate from aqueous solutions initial pH = and 8 was investigated. Characterization samples shows that synthesis a higher shorter time provides slightly content amorphous Zr phase, which is deposited on fibers as thin layer agglomerated nanoparticles. Compared to Sep, have lower point zero charge specific surface area pore volume. adsorption kinetics follow pseudo second-order model. capacities are approximately same both than 8. XPS ATR-FTIR Sep–ZrI before after identifies formation inner-sphere complexes mechanism adsorption. slow release during desorption NaOH solution confirms strong bonds phosphates composites.